USA to consider legislation to recognize Bright Monday as holiday
Bright Monday may become a holiday in the USA. Photo: open sources
U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, announced the introduction of a new bill that would make Easter a federal holiday so families can spend together "the holiest day in Christianity," Schmitt reported on X.
In a series of posts on social media platform X, Schmitt explained why this day should receive federal recognition, starting with the fact that "81% of Americans celebrate Easter."
"But," he continued, "our current holiday schedule makes it too difficult for families to celebrate together".
The new bill is in the very early stages of the legislative process, but it states that its goal is to "designate Easter Monday as an official state holiday," which, according to Schmitt, "is not a radical idea".
"This isn’t a radical idea. It’s a federal recognition of a tradition that is central to Western civilization – a tradition that’s already recognized as a public holiday in nations across (and beyond!) the West," Schmitt stated.
"This is not even a novelty for America," the senator continued. "We already have a National Day of Prayer, signed into law by President [Harry] Truman from Missouri. A federal holiday for Easter Monday would allow Americans to celebrate the most exceptional day in world history, Easter – the day of Christ's Resurrection."
Schmitt noted that Easter is not a "micro-holiday," but a day that "unites more than three-quarters of Americans."
"For generations, many American school calendars have given students a day off on Good Friday and Easter Monday," he added.
The senator stated that federal recognition of the holiday is "pro-worker, pro-family, pro-faith".
"Our holidays and traditions are part of the story we tell about ourselves. This is not a partisan issue. This is not a 'Republican' or 'Democratic' holiday. This is an American holiday that allows us to fully celebrate a defining moment of faith that has shaped our nation and civilization," Schmitt concluded.
Earlier, teh UOJ reported that Trump issued an official message about Holy Week.
Read also
In Nigeria, 130 hostages abducted from Catholic school released
The country's authorities reported the release of the last hostages – victims of the attack on the Catholic school.
Zelensky wishes death to Putin in his Christmas message
The presidential address included the phrase "May he parish", said in the context of a Christmas wish.
Hungarian authorities to fund restoration of Serbian Church monastery
The Government of Hungary has allocated funds for the reconstruction of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos Monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Zelensky: All Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the same date
Volodymyr Zelensky recorded a new video with Christmas greetings.
Instead of Christmas: Zelensky declares January 7 Programmer’s Day
Zelensky decided that January 7 is the most appropriate date for introducing a new holiday.
OCU equates UOC’s losses from “transfers” with losses caused by occupation
In Dumenko’s circle, the losses suffered by the UOC due to so-called “voluntary transfers” to the OCU were equated with losses resulting from occupation and the re-subordination of communities to the Russian Orthodox Church.